AALPS Dryer Vent Cleaning

05/16/2025

Why do dryers catch fire?

Sometimes lint is not the only cause of the millions of dollars of property damage a year caused by dryer fires.

This video put together by Acuity insurance, reveals another reason dryers can catch fire. See how you should react to prevent further damage and share it as you see fit.

At AALPS Dryer Vent Cleaning our goal is to help prevent potential disasters lurking in the laundry room. Remember to clean your dryer vent at least once a year or sooner if you notice that your clothes are taking longer to dry.

The frequency of dryer vent cleaning depends on the number of people living in your home and whether you have furry companions.

If your dryer sensor alert turns on don't ignore it! Lint is highly flammable.

Follow AALPS Dryer Vent Cleaning for more useful tips to keep your home and family safe from dryer fires.

Dryers cause an estimated 14,000 house fires each year. While lint does account for a good portion of these incidents, fire investigators are taking note of ...

05/07/2025

🔥 Could Your Laundry Stains Start a Fire? 🔥

Conversations about laundry, usually focus on removing dirt and stubborn stains. However, there are other stains that can be much more dangerous, volatile liquids.

Key Danger: Volatility

A property of volatile chemicals is the ease of transformation from a liquid to a gas at room temperature. They can ev***rate into the air quickly. Some common examples include gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning agents, nail polish removers, hair sprays, perfumes, alcohol and finishing wood products, like oils and stains. If the amount of these chemical stains on clothing is high enough and you put them into a dryer, they can heat up and start a fire.

Advice to Prevent Fires from The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

1-Thorough Cleaning: If your clothes have been in contact with volatile chemicals, it's important to wash them several times. This helps to ensure all the chemicals are removed before drying.

2-Air Drying: Instead of using a dryer, hang the clothes outside to dry. Fresh air and sunlight help to ev***rate any remaining chemicals safely.

3-Discard: If you don’t want to go through the trouble of repeated washings and the article is not that expensive, throw it away.

4-Low Heat: If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a cool-down drying cycle to reduce the risk of ignition.

By following these steps, you can help keep your home safe from the risk of laundry fires caused by volatile chemicals. Please share these tips with all family members who do laundry.

Annual cleaning of your dryer’s ductwork is another crucial step to prevent dryer fires. When was the last time you cleaned your dryer vent? Dryer fires are preventable, give AALPS Dryer Vent Cleaning a call if it’s been more than 1 year since your last dryer vent cleaning or if you notice extended drying times.

For other helpful info. to prevent dryer fires follow us on FB, YouTube or LinkedIn.

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05/06/2025

🌟 Recognize Our Educators! 🌟

At AALPS Dryer Vent Cleaning, we consider teachers to be the unsung heroes of our community. Their unwavering dedication and hard work shape the minds of future generations.

This year's National Teacher Appreciation Day is May 6, so we want to express our heartfelt gratitude by offering a 10% dryer vent cleaning discount to all San Antonio educators for the entire month of May! 🙌 As proud members of NISD we offer our teachers a 10% discount year-round.

🔥It's time to clean your dryer vent when you notice:

-Damp Clothes: Despite a full cycle, if your clothes remain damp or your dryer keeps shutting off it’s time for a vent check.

-Sensor Alerts: Modern dryers have sensors that detect vent issues. Don't ignore alerts.

-Excessive Heat: If your dryer surface, your clothes or laundry room feel unusually hot, it’s a red flag.

-Bad Odors: Musty smells or burning odors indicate a serious problem.

-Lint Buildup: You see lint accumulation in your dryer or laundry area.

-Condensation: Visible condensation inside your dryer or along its ductwork signals trouble.

-Closure: If the vent termination flap or louvers don’t stay open during dryer operation, there is a blockage.

-Can't Recall: If you don't remember the last time that you cleaned your dryer vent or it’s been over 1 yr it’s time to act.

📞 Safety First: If you notice a burning smell or your dryer surface feels hot, stop using it immediately. Disconnect your dryer and give AALPS Dryer Vent Cleaning a call. We’ll provide a free inspection along with a thorough vent cleaning. Your safety matters to us! ☎️🔍

🍎 Show Your Appreciation: Let’s do something special for our teachers today. Share this post, spread the word, and let educators know that their efforts are valued. Thank you, teachers! 🙏❤️

04/30/2025

Optimize Your Clothes Dryer’s Sensor Technology

Dryer sensor technology helps to optimize the drying process by detecting the moisture level in clothes and adjusting the temperature and drying time accordingly. Dryer sensors save you time, energy costs and prevent fabric damage from overheating as well as decrease the wear and tear on your dryer.

Sensors are usually found on the back wall of the dryer drum or near the lint filter housing. Look for two metal strips that are side by side and about 4 inches long. With time, dirt, lint or fabric softener residue can coat the sensor, preventing it from accurately sensing when the clothes are dry.

To get the most benefit from dryer sensors:

1-Sort laundry according to fabric type.
2-Don’t overload your dryer.
3-Clean the lint screen with every load. Lint buildup affects the sensor performance as well as that of your dryer.
4-Use the time-dry setting for small or single items.
5-Use dryer wool balls to soften fabric.
6-Wipe down the sensors with alcohol on a cotton ball until they shine or use a soft cloth dampened with mild detergent and then dry with a clean cloth. Do this monthly if you use fabric softener, if not clean them every 6 to 12 months.
7-Follow your dryer’s manufacturer instructions.

What if all of a sudden, your dryer keeps shutting down before your clothes are dry?

⭐Tip, if dryer loads remain damp despite you having cleaned its sensors and your dryer is less than 10 years old, don’t buy a new dryer without calling AALPS Dryer Vent Cleaning! ⭐

The problem may simply be a blocked dryer vent and AALPS will inspect it for free and clean it for you at a fair price.

Sources: howtofixit.net, settingsking.com, familyhandyman.com

04/22/2025

🌊 Reduce Microfiber Pollution! 🌊

Are you ready to dive into the world of sustainable laundry practices? Earth Day reminds us to improve washers and dryers to reduce microfiber pollution and explore groundbreaking solutions.

👗 The Problem: Synthetic microscopic fibers less than 5 mm long, are contaminating our oceans. They've been found in plankton, marine mammals' stomachs, and even at depths of up to 1,000 meters.

🚰 Each laundry load releases these toxins into our water and soil. These include BPA and phthalates, which can disrupt both our endocrine system and animal life. Washers and dryers generate microfibers due to friction, and they end up in the water or escape into our atmosphere through the dryer vent.

🔍 Possible Solutions: A recent study by Ocean Wise revealed exciting possibilities. Two easily accessible washing machine lint traps – the LINT LUV-R and Filtrol – captured up to 90% of polyester microfibers. Imagine the impact if every laundry load had this level of microfiber capture! 🙌👕🌱

🌱 Designing for Change: Sustainable clothing design is an option. Some textiles shed over 800 times more fibers than others so fashion designers should use fabrics with low shed rates. 🌿

🌎 Call to Action: Consumers, please buy fabrics made of natural fibers and choose washing machines that weave microfiber capture into their designs. We applaud the efforts of Samsung for launching the Less Microfiber™ Filter to protect our oceans from laundry plastics! 🌍🌊

💡 Innovate: AALPS Dryer Vent Cleaning wants to help turn the tide of microfiber pollution. 🌊 So whether you have a knack for thinking outside the box or you’re just passionate about cleaner oceans, let’s all brainstorm solutions for a lower environmental impact!

04/21/2025

Happy Monday! 😀

We hope you had a relaxing weekend and for those of you who participated in our Friday Quiz here’s the correct answer: A, B and C. Here’s why:

A-Level your washer and dryer:

This prevents damage to internal components from repeat vibration. This cuts down on repair bills and preserves the lifespan of your appliances.

B-Clean filters:

Filters are very important to preserve flow of water in your washer and air flow in your dryer.

-Check your washer’s manual to see if its water hose has a filter that needs cleaning and follow the instructions.

-To reduce drying times for laundry and to prevent dryer fires you must clean the lint screen prior to each use.

C-Check hoses:

-Every season, inspect the water hose behind your washer for leaks or deterioration and replace it with a more durable braided metal hose.

-Check the transition hose behind your dryer for any dents, leaks, deterioration or obstruction. Transition hoses which are so long that they look like a snake should be cut as short as possible to provide the best outflow of lint and water v***r. Any vinyl or plastic hoses should be replaced with a UL approved hose, or if space allows, install a smooth metal duct to reduce the risk of spreading a dryer fire. Clean your entire dryer vent at least once a year.

Thanks for your participation and follow ALPS Dryer Vent Cleaning for more tips to preserve the lifespan of your dryer and to prevent dryer fires. Have a good week!

04/18/2025

Happy Friday, everyone! 😀🎉

Let’s kick off the long weekend with a challenge. Earlier this week Laundry Day came upon us & we shared some tips on maintaining your hard-working washer & dryer. Now it’s time to test your long-term memory! 🧐

Can you separate laundry room fact from fiction? Let’s see if you can recall what can help your washer & dryer to last you more than 10 years! 🏆

04/16/2025

Did You Know April 15 was National Laundry Day?

National Laundry Day reminds us to give washers & dryers regular maintenance to maximize longevity & ensure safety.

Maintenance Tips:

1-Washers:

-Hoses: Check the hoses for cracks, bulges, or leaks at least once a year. Replace them every five years or sooner if damaged.

-Drum & Dispensers: Run an empty hot water cycle every month with affresh to remove soap scum and minerals & clean the detergent & fabric softener dispensers with warm, soapy water.

-Ventilate: After each use, leave the washer door ajar to prevent mold growth.

-Filter check: If your washer has a lint or debris filter, refer to your user manual for location & cleaning instructions.

2-Dryers:

-Lint Filter and Housing: Clean lint from the filter before every load & wash it every 6 months with warm, soapy water. Vacuum the lint housing every 6 months.

-Dryer Vent: Damaged or clogged vents reduce efficiency & are a fire hazard. Clean the dryer ductwork at least once a year.

-Drum Seals: Inspect the drum seals for wear & tear and replace to maximize drying & lower energy bills.

-Drum: Clean interior with a damp cloth & mild detergent & if your dryer has a moisture sensor, clean it with a cotton ball & rubbing alcohol every 6 months.

Keep both appliances level to prevent damage to internal components & if you're unsure about any maintenance task, hire a professional to inspect and service your washer & dryer annually to extend their lifespan, improve efficiency, & reduce costly repairs or hazards.

AALPS Dryer Vent Cleaning Is a trusted expert in dryer vent maintenance in San Antonio & the Greater San Antonio area. Claim your free inspection with each dryer vent cleaning service!

Follow us for more tips.

04/14/2025

Hope You Had a Great Weekend!

We’re back with the answer to Friday’s Quiz: Which of the following negatively impacts indoor air quality?

If you guessed A - Gas dryers, B - Blocked dryer vents, and C - Scented laundry products, you’re absolutely correct! Let’s break it down:

A-Gas Dryers: Damaged or improperly installed gas dryers can leak carbon monoxide, a potentially lethal gas. Protect your family by installing a CO detector in your laundry area and scheduling regular gas line inspections—especially if persistent flu-like symptoms appear among family members.

B-Blocked Dryer Vents: Lint buildup or animal nesting in dryer vents, as well as improperly installed or leaky vents, can lead to increased indoor lint and even mold growth from condensation. Regular maintenance can prevent these issues.

C-Scented Laundry Products: These release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can irritate your eyes and airways. VOCs are particularly harmful to individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma.

Your Family Deserves Clean, Safe Air.

If your family members have poorly controlled asthma, persistent flu-like symptoms or it’s been over a year since your last dryer vent cleaning and you’ve noticed your laundry is taking longer to dry, it might be time to take action. At AALPS Dryer Vent Cleaning, we bring over 38 years of experience to ensure your indoor air is clean and your home is safe from dryer fires. Proudly serving San Antonio and the Greater San Antonio area 🤠.

04/11/2025

Happy Friday! 🙌In honor of Public Health Week take our Friday Quiz and see if you can choose the correct answer about indoor air quality. After all, we all want to breathe clean air 🌬️ 🫁.

We will post the answer on Monday. Enjoy your weekend 😃and eat some Poteet strawberries 🍓 🍓 🍓.

04/10/2025

Gas Dryers A Source of Indoor Air pollution

For public health week we are taking a look at the health impact of having a gas dryer. The American Lung Association states that over 90% of people in the US spend most of their time indoors and the concentration of many pollutants indoors exceed those outdoors.

The lung is the most commonly injured by airborne pollutants and if you have a defective or improperly vented gas dryer installation your brain and heart can also be affected, and exposure can be lethal.

Remain vigilant if you have any of the following: dizziness, headaches, confusion, nausea, emesis, fatigue, increased heat rate, eye and respiratory tract irritation, asthma attacks, persistent cough, chest pain, decreased exercise tolerance.

CO poisoning can mimic influenza, so the entire family may have the same persistent symptoms.

Recommendations:

-Annual professional inspection and maintenance of gas dryers to detect gas leaks.

-Gas dryers should always be vented directly outdoors.

-Annual dryer vent cleaning of gas dryers.

-Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Standard 2034 CO detectors should be installed in the laundry room or nearest hall.

Contact AALPS Dryer Vent Cleaning, a trusted expert for over 38 years to keep your gas dryer vent in good working condition to minimize the impact of indoor air pollution in your home.

Source: Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals www.epa.gov

04/09/2025

Can Dryer Vents Impact Indoor Air Quality?

Clean air inside our homes is vital to preserve our health. We may not appreciate this until bad odors become apparent. Blocked dryer vents and faulty dryer vent installations can significantly impact indoor air quality in several ways:

-Increases Indoor Lint: If your dryer vent is blocked with lint or has a faulty installation this will increase the backflow of lint. Breathing in microparticles created by the drying process is never a good thing.

-Promotes Mold Growth: Clogged vents cannot expel water v***r and can lead to serious health issues caused by mold, particularly for those with a compromised immune system or have respiratory diseases.

-Introduces Pollutants: Blocked dryer vents also trap pollutants. A study done in 2011 found a total of 29 unique volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) in dryer vent emissions some of which are classified as hazardous air pollutants and known or probable carcinogens. Exposure to scented products can trigger eye and throat irritation, allergies, rashes, migraines and asthma attacks in sensitive individuals.

-Water damage: Indoor dryer vents and blocked dryer vents lead to increased indoor humidity, water pooling inside the dryer duct or water droplets from condensation. This can cause structural damage such as wood rot, soaked drywall and peeling paint.

Not only does a blocked dryer vent negatively impact your indoor air quality and your health, it also puts your home at risk for fire. If you notice any of the above issues or if you start to experience extended drying times it’s time to call AALPS Dryer Vent Cleaning, a trusted dryer vent specialist, for over 38 years. Claim your free inspection with each cleaning to ensure clean indoor air.
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